Botswana: Botswana Police Service representatives have organized a meeting with the members of the Mmathethe community. The Botswana Police Service had invited residents of Mmathethe to participate in a workshop focused on child parenting.
The workshop was hosted under the theme, “𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝, 𝐌𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧.”
During the workshop, the organizers urged the people of the create an environment that would allow their children to feel comfortable in expressing thoughts and concerns. The relationship between parents and their children is one of the defining factors of the children’s lives.
Detective Superintendent Thalinah Sethatho of No. 4 Police District (Lobatse) presided over the workshop. He made the remarks at a Gender Based Violence (GBV) workshop held at Mmathethe Kgotla on Tuesday.
Detective Superintendent Sethatho said that by expressing thoughts and concerns, children become more in tune with their own needs. They can understand their desires and boundaries, which is important for self-awareness and self-advocacy as they grow.
She told the residents that there are instances where the Police handle cases involving children as either victims or perpetrators. Sethatho added that the cases include rape, defilement, neglect of children and assaults amongst others.
She highlighted that Botswana Police Service (BPS) has established Child Friendly Centres across the country. The aim of this gesture was to guarantee prompt response, proper investigations and ensuring that Standard Operating Procedures are followed when handling GBV matters.
Sethatho implored the residents to refrain from concealing GBV incidents saying unreported cases could lead to more severe situations.
Headman of Records, Reuben Mosala applauded BPS for their effort in organising the workshop. He delivered the welcome remarks at the workshop for the parents and children.
He said it came at a time when some parents raise children in a manner that has the potential of ruining their future. Kgosi Mosala urged the residents to collaborate with the Police adding that a Mophato has been formed to assist in fighting crime in the area.
Giving vote of thanks, Kgosi Isaac Keipeile of Metlobo village applauded the Police and said the same should be extended to other villages.
The workshop was geared towards discussing and sharing information with residents on child parenting.